Africa has 25% of the world’s disease burden and nearly 15% of the world’s population but only 1% of the world’s health workforce.

In Africa the density of health workers is just over 2 per 1000 population.  In Europe there are 19 per 1000.  That is nearly ten times more.

In Uganda there are only 8 doctors per 100,000 population.  In the UK there are 100 per 100,000 population.

The shortage of health workers in Africa is a major constraint to increasing coverage of essential health interventions, including immunisation programmes to tackle the spread of diseases such as HIV/AIDS, TB, Malaria, Cholera and Neglected Tropical Diseases.

The problem is compounded by the emigration of African countries’ skilled labour.  Known as the ‘Brain Drain’, many trained professionals leave the continent for employment in the developed world.  Every year since 1990 over 20,000 professionals have been leaving Africa.  The health professional plays a critical role in the health system.  And yet all across the continent clinics and hospitals are losing this vital workforce.

At present there is a lack of investment in local training and education of health workers in Africa. The Chalker Foundation for Africa, in partnership with other organisations, is working to help make a difference by actively supporting community-based initiatives specifically focused on developing locally relevant skills. Our aim is to make a meaningful contribution towards a healthier future for African communities.